Interference level map of radio frequency signals

ABSTRACT

A system and method for generating a temporal map of radio frequency (RF) signals detected from a vehicle. The method includes: detecting a plurality of RF signals over a predetermined spectrum of frequencies at a first longitude, a first latitude and a first altitude; analyzing the plurality of RF signals to determine at least a first parameter associated with at least a first RF signal of the plurality of RF signals; and adding to the temporal map the first RF signal frequency, the at least a first parameter associated with the first RF signal, the first longitude, the first latitude and the first altitude.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/055,611 filed on Aug. 6, 2018, which claims the benefit of priorityof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/541,713 filed on Aug. 6,2017.

The contents of the above applications are all incorporated by referenceas if fully set forth herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs), and more particularly to a UAV that is configured to generate atemporal map of radio frequency (RF) signals detected by the UAV.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are finding increasing use in industryImprovements in artificial intelligence, battery life, and computationalpower all contribute to this evolvement. Currently, UAVs are used byentities, such as armies, police forces, corporations, and the like, forvarious purposes, including inspecting wide areas from versatile angles,filming movie scenes, securing sensitive facilities, and the like.

A UAV is one component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), whichincludes a UAV, a ground-based controller and a system that enablescommunication between the UAV and the ground-based controller. Theflights of UAVs may operate with various degrees of autonomy, eitherunder remote control operated by a human operator or autonomously,guided by onboard computers.

Most UAVs use a radio frequency front-end that connects an antenna tothe analog-to-digital converter and a flight computer that controlsavionics. The avionic systems include communications, navigation, thedisplay and management of multiple systems, and systems that are fittedto UAVs to perform individual functions. Currently, the components andsystems installed on UAVs allow, among other things, remote control andtransmission of data, such as video and images, from the UAV to theground-based controller.

In many cases communication between the UAV and the ground-basedcontroller is interrupted while the UAV is in the air away from theground-based controller. The poor communication causes an unreliablecommunication link that may cause malfunction or loss of connectionbetween the UAV and the ground-based controller, often due to weak radiofrequency (RF) signal properties within a certain area.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a solution that wouldovercome the challenges noted above.

SUMMARY

A summary of several example embodiments of the disclosure follows. Thissummary is provided for the convenience of the reader to provide a basicunderstanding of such embodiments and does not wholly define the breadthof the disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of allcontemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all embodiments nor to delineate the scope of anyor all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one ormore embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented later. For convenience, the term “certainembodiments” may be used herein to refer to a single embodiment ormultiple embodiments of the disclosure.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein include a method for generating atemporal map of radio frequency (RF) signals detected from a vehicle,the method including: detecting a plurality of RF signals over apredetermined spectrum of frequencies at a first longitude, a firstlatitude and a first altitude; analyzing the plurality of RF signals todetermine at least a first parameter associated with at least a first RFsignal of the plurality of RF signals; and adding to the temporal mapthe first RF signal frequency, the at least a first parameter associatedwith the first RF signal, the first longitude, the first latitude andthe first altitude. Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include anon-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereoninstructions for causing a processing circuitry to perform a process,the process including: detecting a plurality of RF signals over apredetermined spectrum of frequencies at a first longitude, a firstlatitude and a first altitude; analyzing the plurality of RF signals todetermine at least a first parameter associated with at least a first RFsignal of the plurality of RF signals; and adding to the temporal mapthe first RF signal frequency, the at least a first parameter associatedwith the first RF signal, the first longitude, the first latitude andthe first altitude.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein also include a system forgenerating a temporal map of radio frequency (RF) signals detected froma vehicle, the system including: a processing circuitry; an antennaconnected to the processing circuitry, where the antenna is configuredto detect radio frequency (RF) signals; an RF receiver connected to theprocessing circuitry and the antenna, where the RF receiver isconfigured to converts the information carried by the RF signalsreceived by the antenna into a usable form; and a memory coupled to theprocessing circuitry, the memory containing therein instructions that,when executed by the processing circuitry, configure the system to:detect a plurality of RF signals over a predetermined spectrum offrequencies at a first longitude, a first latitude and a first altitude;analyze the plurality of RF signals to determine at least a firstparameter associated with at least a first RF signal of the plurality ofRF signals; and add to the temporal map the first RF signal frequency,the at least a first parameter associated with the first RF signal, thefirst longitude, the first latitude and the first altitude

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter disclosed herein is particularly pointed out anddistinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification.The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thedisclosed embodiments will be apparent from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for generating a temporal mapof radio frequency (RF) signals according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for generating a temporal radiofrequency (RF) signal map according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is important to note that the embodiments disclosed herein are onlyexamples of the many advantageous uses of the innovative teachingsherein. In general, statements made in the specification of the presentapplication do not necessarily limit any of the various claimedembodiments. Moreover, some statements may apply to some inventivefeatures but not to others. In general, unless otherwise indicated,singular elements may be in plural and vice versa with no loss ofgenerality. In the drawings, like numerals refer to like parts throughseveral views.

The various disclosed embodiments include a method and system forgenerating a temporal map of radio frequency (RF) signals as a functionof location and time. The system is utilized for creating a temporal mapwith values associated with several parameters that allow for thedetermination of the level of interference and the quality of detectedRF signals at certain locations. The system uses an RF receiver and anantenna to detect RF signals over a predetermined spectrum offrequencies at a first longitude, a first latitude and a first altitude.The RF signals are analyzed and based on the analysis the system is ableto determine at least a first parameter associated with the detected RFsignals. Then, the system adds to the temporal map each RF signalfrequency, and the corresponding parameters related thereto based on thelongitude, latitude and altitude at which the RF signal was detected.

FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of a system 100 for generating a temporalmap of radio frequency (RF) signals according to an embodiment. Thesystem includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 110, such as a drone, aUAV ground control station 120, and a database 130 connected via anetwork 105.

It should be noted that while the disclosed embodiments are directed toUAV, the methods and systems discussed herein apply to other vehicles aswell, including land vehicles, such as cars and trucks, water vehicles,such as boats, and the like.

The network 105 is a network that enables communication between thecomponents of the system 100 as further described herein below. Thenetwork 105 may be a cellular or wired network, a local area network(LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metro area network (MAN), theInternet, the worldwide web (WWW), like networks, and any combinationthereof.

The UAV 110 includes a control unit 110-10 that enables the UAV 110 tofunction autonomously during a mission, analyze data detected by the UAV110, and the like. Data detected by the UAV 110 during a mission mayinclude radio frequency (RF) signals, coordinates at which a particularRF signal was detected, an altitude, longitude and latitude at which theRF signal was detected, and the like. The control unit 110-10 includes aprocessing circuitry 110-12 and a memory 110-14.

The processing circuitry 110-12 may be realized as one or more hardwarelogic components and circuits. For example, and without limitation,illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used includefield programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs),system-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), general-purpose microprocessors,microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), and the like, or anyother hardware logic components that can perform calculations or othermanipulations of information.

The memory 110-14 is configured to store software. Software shall beconstrued broadly to mean any type of instructions, whether referred toas software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware descriptionlanguage, or otherwise. Instructions may include code (e.g., in sourcecode format, binary code format, executable code format, or any othersuitable format of code). The instructions cause the processingcircuitry 110-12 to perform the various processes described herein. TheUAV 110 further includes a plurality of components that are furtherdescribed below regarding FIG. 2.

The ground control station 120 may include a ground communication modulethat enables the ground control station 120 to communicate with the UAV110. The communication between the UAV 110 and the ground controlstation 120 may include transmission of data detected by the UAV 110 tothe ground control station 120. In an embodiment, the ground controlstation 120 may include a computing device, such as a server, a personalcomputer, a smart phone, a tablet, and any other device capable ofprocessing information. The database 130 may be designed to store datadetected by the UAV 110, e.g., for future reference. In an embodiment,the data may be detected from a plurality of UAVs 110 and stored withinthe database 130.

According to an embodiment, a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signalsis detected during a UAV 110 flight over a predetermined spectrum offrequencies, where the UAV 110 is located at a first longitude, a firstlatitude and a first altitude. The first longitude is a geographiccoordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on theEarths surface. It is an angular measurement, often expressed in degreesranging from −180° to +180°, relative to the Prime Meridian. The firstlatitude is a geographic coordinate that specifies the north-southposition of a point on the Earth's surface. It is also an angularmeasurement, often expressed in degrees which range from 0° at theEarth's equator to 90° at each of the poles. The first altitude may bean absolute altitude, which is the height of the UAV 110 above theterrain over which it is flying. Alternatively, the first altitude maybe a height above sea level. The first altitude can be measured using aninstrument such as an altimeter embedded within the UAV 110.

Data, including data related to the RF signals, is detected using acommunication module within the UAV 110 (shown in FIG. 2), such as aradio module that is configured to detect a predetermined spectrum ofradio frequencies. The communication module may be a software definedradio (SDR). As a non-limiting example, while the UAV 110 flies in acertain area, a 900 megahertz (MHz) RF signal may be detected atlatitude: 40° 42′46.021″ (40.712784), longitude: 74° 0′21.388″(−74.005941) and altitude: 50 meters.

Upon detection of the plurality of RF signals, the plurality of RFsignals is analyzed to determine at least a first parameter associatedwith at least a first RF signal of the plurality of RF signals. Forexample, the first parameter may describe properties related to thefirst RF signal, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the first RFsignal, the RF signal strength, the RF signal permanent noise, and thelike.

SNR is a value that compares the level of a desired signal to the levelof background noise. The SNR is defined as the ratio of signal power tonoise power, and is often expressed in decibels. A ratio higher than1:1, greater than 0 dB, indicates more signal than noise. All realmeasurements of signals are disturbed by some level of noise, includingelectronic noise, wind, vibrations, gravitational attraction of themoon, variations of temperature, variations of humidity, and so on.According to one embodiment, the control unit 110-10 analyzes theinformation associated with the plurality of RF signals, such as thepower of the detected RF signal and the power of the background noise.

For example a 902 megahertz (MHz) RF signal that has been detected atlatitude: 40° 42′46.021″ (40.712784), longitude: 74° 0′21.388″(−74.005941) and at altitude: 50 meters, may have a 10 dB SNR. Accordingto the same example, the 10 dB SNR may be determined based on theanalysis of the information associated with the detected RF signal, suchas the power of the signal and the power of the background noise at thesame coordinates.

The first parameter associated with the first RF signal may indicate thestrength of the first RF signal. For example, upon analysis of theplurality of RF signals detected by the UAV 110, the control unit 110-10may determine that the strength of the first RF signal is 40 dBμ(decibel-microvolts).

Then, the control unit 110-10 adds to a temporal map the first RF signalfrequency, the at least one parameter associated with the first RFsignal, the first longitude, the first latitude and the first altitude.The temporal map is an electronic document that may present visualdescription as well as textual description of a certain area withrespect to analyzed data associated with the plurality of RF signals.The temporal map may be constantly updated by the control unit 110-10 asnew RF signals are detected. In a further embodiment, where no temporalmap exists for the area from which the RF signals were detected, a newtemporal map is generated, and the first parameter associated with thefirst RF signal, the first longitude, the first latitude and the firstaltitude are added to the new temporal map.

As a non-limiting example, the temporal map may present an electronicmap of New York City, where the RF signals that were detected by the UAV110 at various location within the city are presented together with thecoordinates at which the RF signals were detected, i.e., the firstlongitude, the first latitude and the first altitude. According to thesame example, the at least one parameter associated with the detected RFsignals at the exact coordinate, such as the SNR or the signal strengthof the first RF signal, is also presented on the temporal map. Thetemporal map indicates areas within the city where RF signals arestrong, e.g., where the UAV 110 can communicate with a ground controlstation 120, and where the RF signals are weak, e.g., where the SNR orsignal interference is high.

According to another embodiment, the control unit 110-10 is configuredto generate a data file, such as an electronic table, that allows thestoring and classifying of the analyzed data with respect to coordinatesat which the quality of the RF signal was, for example, relatively low,medium or high. In an embodiment, the quality of the first RF signal maybe determined upon analysis of the at least one parameter associatedwith the first RF signal. The analyzed data may include descriptiveinformation with respect to the RF signal, exact location at which theRF signal was detected, i.e., the longitude, the latitude, the altitude,and the at least one parameter associated with the detected RF signal.

According to an embodiment, the system 100 may include a plurality ofUAVs 110 that are configured to detect data associated with a pluralityof RF signals during their flight. The data detected by the plurality ofUAVs 110 may be utilized for updating the interference level map.According to another embodiment the data may be stored in the database130 for further usage.

In yet another embodiment, the control unit 110-10 of the UAV 110 may beconfigured to detect, using the communication module 110-20, theplurality of RF signals over the predetermined spectrum of frequenciesat a second longitude, a second latitude and a second altitude. Thesecond longitude, the second latitude and the second altitude may bedifferent from the first longitude, the first latitude and the firstaltitude. The control unit 110-10 may be configured to determine, uponanalysis of the plurality of RF signals, at least a second parameterassociated with the at least a second RF signal of the plurality of RFsignals. Then, the control unit 110-10 adds to the temporal map the atleast a second RF signal frequency, the at least a second parameterassociated with the at least a second RF signal, the second longitude,the second latitude and the second altitude.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the components of the UAV 110,according to an embodiment. The UAV 110 includes a control unit 110-10that further includes a processing circuitry 110-12 and a memory 110-14.The memory 110-14 contains therein instructions that, when executed bythe processing circuitry 110-12, configure the control unit 110-10 toexecute actions as further described herein above with respect of FIG.1.

The UAV 110 further includes a communication module 110-20 that allowsthe UAV 110 to communicate with the ground control station 120 andreceive different types of signals from various sources. Thecommunication module 110-12 may be, for example, a software definedradio (SDR).

The UAV 110 may include at least one antenna 110-30 that is anelectrical device which converts electric power into radio waves andvice versa. The at least one antenna 110-30 enables the detection of theplurality of RF signals.

The UAV 110 further includes an RF receiver 110-40 that is an electroniccomponent that receives radio waves and converts the information carriedby them into a usable form. The RF receiver 110-40 is communicativelyconnected to the at least one antenna 110-30 and receives the pluralityof RF signals detected by the at least one antenna 110-30.

The UAV 110 may further include a digital signal processor (DSP) 110-50.The DSP 110-50 allows the UAV 110 to filter, measure and compressreal-world analog signals detected by the antenna 110-30 during theflight of the UAV 110. The UAV 110 further includes a network interface110-60 that allows transmission of the analyzed data to a database suchas a traditional database, cloud database, endpoint devices such assmartphones, etc. The network interface 110-60 may include a cellularinterface, such as LTE, CDMA and the like, as well as a WiFi interface,and the like. The components of the UAV 110 may be connected via a bus110-70.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart that describes a method for generating a temporalmap of radio frequency (RF) signals according to an embodiment. At S310,the operation starts when a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signals isdetected over a predetermined spectrum of frequencies at a firstlongitude, a first latitude and a first altitude as further describedherein above with respect of FIG. 1. The plurality of RF signals may bedetected using the antenna 110-30 and the RF receiver 110-40.

At S320, the plurality of RF signals is analyzed. The analysis mayinclude determining at least a first parameter associated with at leasta first RF signal of the plurality of RF signals based on theidentification of the longitude, latitude and altitude at which each RFsignal was detected. The first parameter may describe properties relatedto the first RF signal, such as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of thefirst RF signal, the RF signal strength, the RF signal permanent noise,and the like. These properties may be indicative of the quality of theRF signal, the interference level associated with the RF signal, and thelike.

At S330, the first RF signal frequency, the at least a first parameterassociated with the first RF signal, the first longitude, the firstlatitude and the first altitude are added to a temporal map. In anembodiment, the temporal map is added to a database for storage andfuture retrieval. The temporal map may be updated based on the analysisof multiple RF signals on a regular basis to increase the accuracy andbreadth of the of map. In a further embodiment, where no temporal mapexists for the area from which the RF signals were detected, a newtemporal map is generated, and the first parameter associated with thefirst RF signal, the first longitude, the first latitude and the firstaltitude are added to the new temporal map.

At S340, it is checked whether to continue the operation and if so,execution continues with S310; otherwise, execution terminates.

The various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as hardware,firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Moreover, the softwareis preferably implemented as an application program tangibly embodied ona program storage unit or computer readable medium consisting of parts,or of certain devices and/or a combination of devices. The applicationprogram may be uploaded to, and executed by, a machine comprising anysuitable architecture. Preferably, the machine is implemented on acomputer platform having hardware such as one or more central processingunits (“CPUs”), a memory, and input/output interfaces. The computerplatform may also include an operating system and microinstruction code.The various processes and functions described herein may be either partof the microinstruction code or part of the application program, or anycombination thereof, which may be executed by a CPU, whether or not sucha computer or processor is explicitly shown. In addition, various otherperipheral units may be connected to the computer platform such as anadditional data storage unit and a printing unit. Furthermore, anon-transitory computer readable medium is any computer readable mediumexcept for a transitory propagating signal.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” followed by a listing ofitems means that any of the listed items can be utilized individually,or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be utilized.For example, if a system is described as including “at least one of A,B, and C,” the system can include A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B incombination; B and C in combination; A and C in combination; or A, B,and C in combination.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended forpedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principlesof the disclosed embodiment and the concepts contributed by the inventorto furthering the art, and are to be construed as being withoutlimitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions.Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, andembodiments of the disclosed embodiments, as well as specific examplesthereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functionalequivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalentsinclude both currently known equivalents as well as equivalentsdeveloped in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform thesame function, regardless of structure.

It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents andpatent applications referred to in this specification are to beincorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, asif each individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to beincorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation oridentification of any reference in this application shall not beconstrued as an admission that such reference is available as prior artto the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, anypriority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its/their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating an interference level mapof radio frequency (RF) signals, comprising: receiving, over a wirelessnetwork, respective data obtained from a plurality of devices, saidrespective data comprising data associated with a plurality of RFsignals detected in a predetermined frequency spectrum at respectivegeographic coordinates; analyzing said received data to determinerespective interference levels of said RF signals at said respectivegeographic coordinates; and generating an interference level mapcomprising said interference levels at said respective geographiccoordinates.
 2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising usingsaid interference level map to identify locations at which at least oneof said devices is able to communicate with a ground station.
 3. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein said respective data comprises asignal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of at least one of said RF signals, and saidanalyzing comprises determining, from said SNR, an interference level atsaid respective geographic coordinate of said at least one of said RFsignals.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said respective datacomprises a signal strength of at least one of said RF signals, and saidanalyzing comprises determining, from said signal strength, aninterference level at said respective geographic coordinate of said atleast one of said RF signals.
 5. A method according to claim 1, whereinsaid respective geographic coordinates comprise respective longitudesand respective latitudes.
 6. A method according to claim 1, furthercomprising generating a new interference level map comprising saidinterference levels at said respective geographic coordinates when nointerference level map exists for an area from which the RF signals aredetected.
 7. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: storingsaid received data in a database; and retrieving said received data fromsaid database for said analyzing.
 8. A system for generating aninterference level map of radio frequency (RF) signals, comprising: amemory configured for storing instructions for execution by processingcircuitry; and a processing circuitry associated with said memory,configured to execute said instructions to: receive, over a wirelessnetwork, respective data obtained from a plurality of devices, saidrespective data comprising data associated with a plurality of RFsignals detected in a predetermined frequency spectrum at respectivegeographic coordinates; analyze said received data to determinerespective interference levels of said RF signals at said respectivegeographic coordinates; and generate an interference level mapcomprising said interference levels at said respective geographiccoordinates.
 9. A system according to claim 8, wherein said processingcircuitry is further configured to use said interference level map toidentify locations at which at least one of said devices is able tocommunicate with a ground station.
 10. A system according to claim 8,wherein said respective data comprises a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ofat least one of said RF signals, and said analysis comprisesdetermining, from said SNR, an interference level at said respectivegeographic coordinate of said at least one of said RF signals.
 11. Asystem according to claim 8, wherein said respective data comprises asignal strength of at least one of said RF signals, and said analysiscomprises determining, from said signal strength, an interference levelat said respective geographic coordinate of said at least one of said RFsignals.
 12. A system according to claim 8, wherein said respectivegeographic coordinates comprise respective longitudes and respectivelatitudes.
 13. A system according to claim 8, wherein said processingcircuitry is further configured to generate a new interference level mapcomprising said interference levels at said respective geographiccoordinates when no interference level map exists for an area from whichthe RF signals are detected.
 14. A system according to claim 8, whereinsaid processing circuitry is further configured to: store said receiveddata in a database; and retrieve said received data from said databasefor said analyzing.
 15. A non-transitory computer readable storagemedium including instructions that, when executed by at least oneprocessor, cause said at least one processor to perform operationscomprising: receiving respective data obtained from a plurality ofdevices, said respective data comprising data associated with aplurality of RF signals detected at respective geographic coordinates;analyzing said received data to determine respective interference levelsof said RF signals at said respective geographic coordinates; andgenerating an interference level map comprising said interference levelsat said respective geographic coordinates.
 16. A non-transitory computerreadable storage medium according to claim 15, wherein said instructionsfurther comprise using said interference level map to identify locationsat which at least one of said devices is able to communicate with aground station.